Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the urgent return of military forces to Allawa and surrounding communities to protect residents and allow displaced farmers to resume their livelihoods.
The residents of Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State have raised alarm over the increasing control of terrorists and bandits in their communities, where locals are reportedly being enslaved to work on farms for the criminals.
It was gathered that a terrorist leader collected over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and nearby areas this year.
Speaking at an emergency press conference in Minna, Saidu Salihu, Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the urgent return of military forces to Allawa and surrounding communities to protect residents and allow displaced farmers to resume their livelihoods.
Salihu stated that the withdrawal of soldiers three months ago led to a surge in terrorist and bandit activities, forcing residents to collaborate with these groups for survival.
“The terrorists are growing stronger, and without military intervention, the communities are at risk of becoming a terrorist stronghold,” Salihu warned.
He called on the Niger State government to strengthen its cooperation with security agencies and equip local vigilante groups to defend the vulnerable areas.
He, however, urged both federal and state governments to provide compensation for displaced persons who have lost homes, property, and their means of income.
President of the Lakpma Youth Forum, Babangida Kudodo, lamented the lack of action from both state and federal governments despite numerous reports of the deteriorating security situation.
He disclosed that some informants who were arrested and later released have become threats to the communities, further exacerbating the problem.
Further compounding the crisis, Abdullah Suleiman Erena warned that the Lakpma axis, comprising eight political wards, is at risk of becoming a stronghold for various terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.
He described the situation as a “developing terrorist ecosystem,” and criticized the press and government for underestimating the severity of the issue.
He also pointed out the risk to the Federal Capital Territory due to its proximity to Shiroro LGA, stressing the urgency of dislodging the terrorists and restoring security to the region.
In his remarks, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki criticized the Niger State government for failing to pressure the federal government to address the escalating security situation.
“The state government needs to do more than just lament,” he stated, stressing that the larger population cannot be abandoned in the face of these growing threats.
